Four times the crazy looks

It’s so funny to me the way people react to you based on the number of children you have and what sex they are.  They say things I don't think they realize are rude.  When Peanut was born everyone stopped me in the store to see her.  “Let me see that precious baby.” “Oh my goodness, what a princess.”  And of course, the occasional “He’s so cute.”  Yeah.  I like to dress my son in frilly pink dresses.  It’s how I roll.  I want the therapy needs to start really really early.  Duh.

When Bean was born it was “oh, you have two precious girls” and “Oh my goodness you’re so blessed to have two healthy babies” and “Those are such beautiful kids!” And of course, the occasional “He’s so cute.”  And “What’s her name? Isn’t that a boy’s name?”  Old women are fun.  Bless their hearts. 

Once Monkey Man was born the comments changed from polite and cute to borderline rude.  “Oh, I just know you’re so glad you finally got that boy” Yes.  I hate girls.  They are gross and stupid and PHEW for one with a penis.  “Oh, my you have to be relieved to have a boy finally” Yes.  Because the succession to the throne was in question.  But we’ve got it all figured out now! “Oh my goodness, you have your hands full” Really?  Do I?  Three is “hands full” but two is just “cute”?  Yeah, I have my hands full.  I always wanted to respond “I KNOW! Thank goodness I could leave the other 5 at home!”

Then Bug was born.  No more cheeky comments.  No more semi-polite comments.  Just “Oh WOW!” and “You are either brave or crazy” and an actual “Oh Em Gee” (said just like that because it’s fashionable to say acronyms out loud now, apparently).  So what I’ve learned in the last 3 months is I’m either a “good Catholic or a crazy Baptist”.  I’ve also got “more than a handful” because I must be “trying to keep up with that Duggar lady” and I’m “awfully brave”.  I just want to scream “Nope, my husband’s just allergic to latex” and walk off.  See if they get it.  Or explain that I’m trying to replace all the jerks in the world with kind people.  Someone has to. 

Truth is I’ve always wanted four kids.  I’ve always wanted girls and boys.  I’ve got two of each, and they are side by side in age.  Peanut and Bean play together, and it won’t be long before Monkey Man and Bug are too.  God has blessed me in an amazing way, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.  And yeah, you better believe I know what causes it. ;)